Genetic transformation in conifers: current status and future prospects

Genetic transformation has been a cornerstone in plant molecular biology research and molecular design breeding, facilitating innovative approaches for the genetic improvement of trees with long breeding cycles. Despite the profound ecological and economic significance of conifers in global forestry, the application of genetic transformation in this group has been fraught with challenges. Nevertheless, genetic transformation has achieved notable advances in certain conifer species, while these advances are confined to specific genotypes, they offer valuable insights for technological breakthroughs in other species. This review offers an in-depth examination of the progress achieved in the genetic transformation of conifers. This discussion encompasses various factors, including expression vector construction, gene-delivery methods, and regeneration systems. Additionally, the hurdles encountered in the pursuit of a universal model for conifer transformation are discussed, along with the proposal of potential strategies for future developments. This comprehensive overview seeks to stimulate further research and innovation in this crucial field of forest biotechnology.